= - = - Do be aware that since 1 July 2014 in Home Care there is an Income and Assets Checklist for the fee you will be charged.
Financing a future aged care system
June 2020
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (the Commission) said from the beginning that they wanted to hear from people directly affected by the work of the Commission, and particularly the consumers of aged care services and their families and carers. COTA has been putting your views to the Commission, by giving evidence at the hearings, being involved in the workshops, and making submissions.
In proposing a complete shakeup of the aged care sector, the Royal Commission has also contemplated how services should be paid for. These options are discussed in their paper, Financing Aged Care. The Commissioners say aged care expenditure will need to increase by between 50% and 100%. So, this brings us to the question of “Who pays?”
Currently, the government provides around 75% of funding and consumers provide the remainder. In Australia, aged care spending in Australia is much lower compared to countries with comparable populations. It’s about 1% of GDP.
======================== ----------------------------------------- ========================
To be eligible for Age Pension you must be Age Pension age and meet some other rules.
Assets are property or items you or your partner own in full or part, or have an interest in. They can affect your payment.
We look at the type and value of any assets you or your partner own in and outside of Australia.
The value of your assets is what you'd get if you sold them at market value. We'll deduct any debt you owe that your asset is security for, from its market value. If you got an unsecured loan specifically to buy the asset, we may also deduct this loan from the value of the asset.
When you claim a payment, we’ll ask about the assets you have and their value. We may also ask you to give updated information about your assets to ensure you’re getting the correct payment rate.
Assets include any:
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The government has released a new data table revealing the median cost of common home care services across Australia, which it hopes will act as a carrot to improve service offerings and a stick against unjustified charges.
Richard Colbeck
Older Australians and their families will also be able to get an idea of standard pricing to help them make decisions about whether a provider’s prices are fair, says aged care services minister Richard Colbeck.
The table shows median prices for
The changes to how we pay home care subsidies and supplements to providers will occur in 2 phases. Instead of paying the total in advance, we will pay in arrears for services delivered. We will hold unspent funds for care recipients. This is in line with other Government-funded programs.
Providers charge more for admin despite changes
by Judy Skatssoon July 1, 2020
A survey has found home care providers are charging more for administration than they were before the introduction of the new pricing transparency regime, and care management costs are going up as well.
The pricing transparency changes, introduced last April, meant administration costs could no longer be charged separately but needed to be factored into prices for care and services. Instead, providers are able to charge for package management, which can include preparing monthly statements, managing funds and meeting compliance and quality assurance standards. They can also charge for care management, which can take in plan reviews and scheduling of services.
This is somewhat surprising given that if anything, package management would be expected to decline as a result of the pricing transparency system.
The report says these figures need to be considered against the pending changes to payment arrangements for home care providers which will see the government hold the balance of unspent funds with providers reimbursed for their services after delivery, instead of in advance as is currently the case.
https://communitycarereview.com.au/2020/07/01/providers-charge-more-for-admin-despite-changes/
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Use the online calculators to help you work out fees and payments for aged care.
Schedule of Fees and Charges for Residential and Home Care: From 20 March 2022
This page provides the latest updates to aged care fees and charges.
[i] Residents in designated remote areas may be asked to pay an additional $1.06 per day.
[ii] This rate applies to residents who enter residential care within this time period but not to those who were already in care prior to this time period. The Maximum Permissible Interest Rate applicable for the calculation of a resident’s daily payments is fixed either at their date of entry to care (for a low means resident) or the date they agree to a room price (for a resident who is not eligible for government assistance with their accommodation costs).
and do remember that the daily care fee IS negiotable.
To improve transparency for senior Australians, all home care providers will need to publish their pricing information in a new standardised pricing comparability Schedule (the Schedule) on the My Aged Care Service Finder.
As everyone’s care needs are different, there are four levels of Home Care Packages with different funding amounts. These cover basic support needs through to high care needs.
How much does the government contribute?
The Australian Government pays a different subsidy amount for each level of Home Care Package. The government subsidy for each package level is as follows:
Home Care Package level Approximate yearly government contribution
Level 1 $9,000
Level 2 $15,750
Level 3 $34,500
Level 4 $52,250
* The government contribution increases each year. These figures are rounded.
The government contribution is paid directly to the home care provider you choose. You work in partnership with the provider to determine the care and services required, within the package budget. The funds won’t affect your pension because they don’t count as income.
The basic daily fee changes in March and September each year in line with the age pension.
From 20 March 2020, the basic daily fee by Home Care Package level will be:
Package level Per cent of the single person rate of basic age pension Daily fee Fortnightly fee
Level 1 15.68 $9.63 $134.82
Level 2 16.58 $10.19 $142.66
Level 3 17.05 $10.48 $146.72
Level 4 17.50 $10.75 $150.50
Providers can ask you to pay a basic daily fee. Use the Find a provider tool to see if your chosen provider will collect this fee.
Use this form to give us your income details. We’ll use these details to assess how much you need to pay for a Home Care Package.
New Aged care means assessment forms
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has released the new Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care (SA486) digital form. Your clients can fill it in online, print and sign it and send it to DHS with their supporting documents. The digital form uses dynamic questions tailored to the customers’ individual circumstances.
Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care form (SA486)
Use this form to give us your income and assets details.
Download and complete the Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care form.
We’ll use these details to tell you how much you need to pay for aged care.
To access this form, download and open it with a PDF reader.
This form is dynamic and will present different questions based on the answers you give. It will tailor to your circumstances. Using this form is the easiest way to complete your assessment for aged care.
Because this form tailors to your circumstances, you need to complete it online. You can’t print it until you’ve answered all the questions.
Once you have answered all the questions you need to:
For clients who would prefer to use our simplified paper forms, they are as follows:
These forms are all available on the DHS website. Tips on how to download the digital form can be found here.
Aged care means tests: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/aged-care-means-tests
We assess your financial details to work out how much you need to pay towards aged care.
Customers commencing a Home Care Package don’t need to fill in a form if they get a means tested income support payment from Centrelink or DVA.
Customers entering Residential Care don’t need to fill in a form if they:
It is important to make sure their income and assets are up to date when they enter into care to ensure their assessment can be completed automatically. They can do this by accessing their Centrelink online account or by calling Centrelink on 132 300 or DVA on 1800 555 254.
Department of Health
= - = - = - = - = -
What is the income-tested care fee?
The income-tested care fee is an extra contribution that some people pay, as determined through an income assessment. This fee is different for everyone. It’s based on individual income including your pension. However, full pensioners do not pay an income-tested care fee.
You could pay up to $15.43 per day, if you:
You could pay between $15.43 - $30.86 if you:
Annual and lifetime caps
There are annual and lifetime caps for the income-tested care fee.
The annual cap is different depending on what you earn in a year. For example, for a single person as at 20 March 2020:
There is a lifetime cap of $67,409.85 as at 1 July 2020. After you reach this figure you will no longer have to pay income-tested care fees.
Read more on annual and lifetime caps.
Schedule of Fees and Charges for Residential and Home Care: From 20 March 2022
This page provides the latest updates to aged care fees and charges.
[i] Residents in designated remote areas may be asked to pay an additional $1.06 per day.
[ii] This rate applies to residents who enter residential care within this time period but not to those who were already in care prior to this time period. The Maximum Permissible Interest Rate applicable for the calculation of a resident’s daily payments is fixed either at their date of entry to care (for a low means resident) or the date they agree to a room price (for a resident who is not eligible for government assistance with their accommodation costs).
and do remember that the daily care fee IS negiotable.
The Australian Government pays for the bulk of aged care in Australia. But as with all aged care services, it's expected you'll contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford to do so. You will never be denied the care you need because you can't afford it.
Home care providers may be able to access further funding supplements – to ensure you receive the care you need.
These include:
Home Care – Fee Estimator
The Home Care fee estimator provides an indication of the fees and charges you may be asked to pay if you receive a Home Care Package after 1 July 2014. Based on the information you provide, it estimates your;
The actual fees you may be asked to pay will depend on your income as assessed by the Department of Human Services or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Know too, that the basic daily care fee IS negotiable! Have a chat with your Provider Before you sign the Home Care Agreement.
Applying for an income assessment: You only need to apply for an income assessment for Home Care if you are:
10 February 2020
My Aged Care can assist you with using these fee estimators or can provide you with an estimate over the phone. Before you call you should have your financial information ready, especially details of your various forms of income and assets.
“$50,000 Should Not Translate To Just Nine Hours Of Care,” Royal Commission Hears
by Caroline Egan. https://hellocaremail.com.au/home-care-delivered-hours-care-royal-commission/
Home care was under the Royal Commission’s spotlight on Monday, as the second set of hearings began.
19 March 2019
TO COMPARE $ PRICES in Home Care
Since 1 July 2019 home care providers needed to publish their prices in a new standardised home care pricing Schedule on the My Aged Care website. This transition to the new pricing structure may be an opportune time to analyse their current pricing policies and determine if they (the Provider) need to change their prices.
The Schedule will provide information on the common services and costs under a home care package.
This will better support senior Australians to understand and compare home care pricing information, and make a more informed decision about which provider is best placed to deliver your care.
01 July 2019
WHAT TO DO...
STEP 1: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider
STEP 2: Click on "Help at Home"
STEP 3: Select your Suburb
STEP 4: Click on "Home Support Services" to get a list of Providers
OR “Home Care Package” Level 1, 2, 3 or 4
You can then click on the Providers name for their details
OR Just click on COMPARE – up to 3 at a time
and COMPARE ONE PROVIDER $ AGAINST ANOTHER... Just scroll down.
You are looking at:-
Case Management - approximate number of hours per fortnight
Price for Common Services - shown as $ per hour
Other costs:
It's quite an Eye-opener!!!
Since 1 July 2019 home care providers need to publish their prices in a new standardised home care pricing Schedule on the My Aged Care website. This transition to the new pricing structure may be an opportune time to analyse their current pricing policies and determine if they (the Provider) need to change their prices. The Schedule will provide information on the common services and costs under a home care package. This will better support senior Australians to understand and compare home care pricing information, and make a more informed decision about which provider is best placed to deliver your care.
June 2019
For more information on aged care costs call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
ADA Australia has launched an innovative new information guide to support services for seniors. The app, Seniors Guide to Qld Help, is designed specifically for older Queenslanders and those who support them.
The free resource provides information about a broad range of topics, including:
Financial advice
You may want to consult with a financial adviser about your finances. There are various Click here for Government services and resources that can help you obtain appropriate financial advice. It’s a good idea to do some research to see what options work best for you. You can also use Centrelink's free Financial Information Service on 132 300.
1 July 2019
Booking a FIS seminar
Free seminars in Queensland:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/financial-information-service/where-we-have-free-seminars/queensland
PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE PRESENT HEALTH SITUATION, THESE SEMINAR'S HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
There are 2 ways to book a seminar.
You can email the FIS seminars booking team at least 3 days before the seminar. Don't forget to include:
You can also call our FIS seminar booking phone line and book over the phone.
Mon – Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Phone: 136 357
12 June 2020
My finances
Powers of attorney, enduring powers of attorney and enduring guardians
If you need help managing your affairs, you can choose to give someone you know and trust, or a specialist organisation (such as the Public Trustee and Guardian in NSW) the power to make decisions for you. This will allow the person to manage your affairs when you do not want to, or are no longer able to. For example, a person may find it hard to sign documents because they have poor eyesight or unsteady hands.
Depending on your situation, this may include:
It's important to plan ahead for your finances. There are various government services and resources that can help you find the right financial advice. It's a good idea to do some research to see what options work best for you. You can also ask a family member or friend to help you plan your finances, or you can consult a financial planner.
Financial information and education
If you want to find basic information about managing your finances, you can go to the Department of Human Services' free Financial Information Service. This confidential service can help you make informed decisions about investment and financial issues for your current and future needs. It also provides education and information on lifestyle issues.
The people who provide advice within the Financial Information Service are not financial planners and do not give or sell advice or purchase investment products.
13 May 2020
Financial counselling
If you're experiencing financial difficulties and have little income, you may be able to get free financial counselling services.
A financial counselor can help you in your negotiations with financial institutions and creditors. They might also be able to help with your budgeting and referral needs.
Community organisations are funded to provide these services across Australia. You can contact the Department of Social Services (the Department) if you would like details of a financial counselling service near you.
Finding a financial planner
Financial planners may be able to help with retirement planning, wealth management, savings planning, superannuation, banking and portfolio administration. They may also give advice on managed funds, and other financial products available in the marketplace.
Selecting the right financial planner for your situation is essential. You should choose a licensed financial planner who can provide the services you need. Your financial planner should also be able to provide you with a Financial Services Guide.
You can check out a company or a financial planner by searching on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission website.
You can also search for financial planners in your area on the Financial Planning Association of Australia website. This website provides the contact details for all licensed financial planners in the country.
MoneySmart
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission also runs the MoneySmart website which helps people make smart choices about their personal finances.
MoneySmart has lots of tools and information to help people with decisions about issues such as retirement planning, aged care accommodation and financial products such as reverse mortgages, see:
Other useful resources:
The Department of Social Services has a number of practical, easy-to-read publications and articles you may like to read. These publications and articles are designed to help you improve your lifestyle in retirement. They have been produced with industry bodies, other agencies and community groups.
19 December 2019
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The National Seniors Australia has an independent financial information service for its members. The line is manned by former staff of the National Information Centre on Retirement Incomes, which closed last year after losing federal government funding.
The financial information desk will provide information on superannuation, pensions, tax and other financial matters.
1300 76 50 50
--------------
Do be aware though that some Providers could charge high exit fees that might discourage you from transferring your Package to another Provider. The amount should appear in your Home Care Agreement with your Provider, so that you are not caught unawares.
Proper management of unspent funds needed for compliance and profit
14 February 2019
https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/sponsoredcontent/proper-management-of-unspent-funds-needed-for-compliance-and-profit/
Note: Often you don’t know what you don’t know. What help can you ask for? You can decided that you would rather pay a private cleaner and get exactly what you want for how long you want. Many have rejected the packages because of the admin fees, the daily fee and so on.
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/manage-your-home-care-package-services
Some consumers are choosing to spend their built-up funds on one-off capital items or services that offer little or in some cases no margin to providers.
Remember, it is Your Choice...
An exit amount is an amount that can be deducted by your Provider in working out a care recipient’s unspent home care amount, when your Provider ceases to provide home care to you. The maximum exit amount is submitted at the ‘approved provider’ level and is being made publicly available on the My Aged Care service finder for all of your home care services. The maximum exit amount should be updated by your Provider through the My Aged Care Provider Portal.
Since 27 February 2017, the package (Level 1, 2, 3 or 4) goes to YOU. You choose your own Provider and the Government then gives them the $ to spend on what YOU Want. Do be aware that some Providers are charging joining, upgrade or exit fees for their in home health and wellbeing services.
This is Not Mandatory, and should any Provider place these restrictions in your New Home Care Agreement, you DO NOT have to sign it. You do NOT have to pay for these. Only those things which YOU have agreed to can be placed in your new Home Care Agreement. If this is happening to You, do not sign and immediately look around and choose another Provider.
As a potential Customer, do be aware of what your Home Care Agreement ACTUALLY says: Do Not Sign it until you have had it all explained to you AND YOU UNDERSTAND IT.
A potential Home Care Provider needs to bear in mind when offering your Home Care Agreement:
As a provider of home care you will want to promote your business so that you can compete for customers. But you also have to make sure that you don’t break the law by saying things to consumers that might mislead or confuse them. When you offer home care services to consumers it is important that you present information (whether it be written or verbal) to a consumer accurately, clearly and honestly. This allows consumers the opportunity to make decisions with all the facts. Under the ACL, businesses that do not do this are likely to be engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct.
Misleading and deceptive conduct can include practices such as:
Home Care Agreements need to be clear and easy to understand so that consumers are able to make informed decisions. Make sure that your Home Care Agreements are transparent, in plain language and highlight important terms, especially key information such as:
Example:
A term in a Home Care Agreement says “you agree to allow the provider to place a caveat over your home to enable the collection of any unpaid fees”.
This would likely be an unfair term as it is not reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the business in relation to government funded home care services and would cause significant detriment to the consumer if it were relied upon.
Download your own copy from the ACCC website:
https://www.accc.gov.au/publications/home-care-services-your-business-rights-obligations
Home care services - your business rights & obligations.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Since 1 July 2019 home care providers needed to publish their prices in a new standardised home care pricing Schedule on the My Aged Care website. This transition to the new pricing structure may be an opportune time to analyse their current pricing policies and determine if they (the Provider) need to change their prices.
The Schedule will provide information on the common services and costs under a home care package.
This will better support senior Australians to understand and compare home care pricing information, and make a more informed decision about which provider is best placed to deliver your care.
01 July 2019
WHAT TO DO...
STEP 1: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider
STEP 2: Click on "Help at Home"
STEP 3: Select your Suburb
STEP 4: Click on "Home Support Services" to get a list of Providers
OR “Home Care Package” Level 1, 2, 3 or 4
You can then click on the Providers name for their details
OR Just click on COMPARE – up to 3 at a time
and COMPARE ONE PROVIDER $ AGAINST ANOTHER... Just scroll down.
You are looking at:-
Case Management - approximate number of hours per fortnight
Price for Common Services - shown as $ per hour
Other costs:
It's quite an Eye-opener!!!
Even the bare bones home care management services still have management fees. These include administration and case management amounts that in some cases exceed 20 per cent of the funding. However, this is still significantly below an approximate industry average of 30 per cent with some operators charging above the 50 per cent mark.
Change to pure self-management in the industry is no longer an if, rather a when. Developments in the industry are already visible with:
24 May 2018
If you need help, an advocate can be made available through the National Aged Care Advocacy Programme (NACAP) by calling 1800 700 600 or visit the Older Persons Advocacy Network website to find out more about advocacy services.
Update on quality standards
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission 1800 550 552 regarding a Commonwealth-subsidised residential or home-based aged care service
03 January 2020 https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/about-us
Minister Wyatt announced that the Complaints Commissioner and the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency will form part of the New Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission in January 2019. "I am confident the new Commission will better target sub-standard care. It will be a central point to identify failures, highlights quality concerns and have them rectified,” he says.
The Commission replaces the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency and the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner. Combining these functions into one independent agency strengthens the focus on consumers, streamlines regulation, supports better engagement with consumers and providers, and promotes transparency.
The new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission began on January 1st, 2019.
Who do the Act and Rules apply to?
It will have a budget of almost $300 million over four years, employing dozens of additional senior compliance officers. The new Commission will immediately absorb the roles of the current Aged Care Complaints Commissioner and the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency and, from January 2020, also take over the Department of Health's aged-care compliance responsibilities.
Commission Act and Rules
On 1 January 2020, the aged care regulatory functions of the Secretary of the Department of Health were transferred to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner (the Commissioner). This ensures that the Commissioner has the full suite of regulatory functions from entry, quality monitoring and compliance to exit (if required) for providers of aged care services.
Amendments to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Rules 2018 (Commission Rules) have been implemented to support the transition of regulatory functions. The amendments focus on the following key outcomes:
This page contains information for aged care providers resulting from the introduction of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018 and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Rules 2018.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018 (Act) establishes the Commission and enables the Minister to make Rules prescribing matters for carrying out or giving effect to the Act.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Rules 2018 (Rules) give operational effect to the processes of the Commission. The Rules replace a number of Principles including the Quality Agency Principles 2013.
Relevant links and fact sheets:
Monday, 3 February 2020 - 3:58pm
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Are there any provisions for financial hardship?
Use this form and guide to test your eligibility to receive financial hardship assistance with your fees and charges in Home Care or Residential Respite Care
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/forms/sa462
If you have a disability or impairment and use assistive technology, there are other ways you can do your business with us. You can use self service or request someone to deal with us on your behalf. If you can’t access our forms, please contact us. We can help you access, complete and submit them.
10 February 2020
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Assessment Decision : Residential Respite Care
The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) that conducted your face-to-face assessment will send you a letter.
The letter will contain:
I’m eligible - what’s next?
Once you receive your approval letter, you should:
17 December 2021
Financing a future aged care system
June 2020
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (the Commission) said from the beginning that they wanted to hear from people directly affected by the work of the Commission, and particularly the consumers of aged care services and their families and carers. COTA has been putting your views to the Commission, by giving evidence at the hearings, being involved in the workshops, and making submissions.
In proposing a complete shakeup of the aged care sector, the Royal Commission has also contemplated how services should be paid for. These options are discussed in their paper, Financing Aged Care. The Commissioners say aged care expenditure will need to increase by between 50% and 100%. So, this brings us to the question of “Who pays?”
Currently, the government provides around 75% of funding and consumers provide the remainder. In Australia, aged care spending in Australia is much lower compared to countries with comparable populations. It’s about 1% of GDP.
======================== ----------------------------------------- ========================
To be eligible for Age Pension you must be Age Pension age and meet some other rules.
Assets are property or items you or your partner own in full or part, or have an interest in. They can affect your payment.
We look at the type and value of any assets you or your partner own in and outside of Australia.
The value of your assets is what you'd get if you sold them at market value. We'll deduct any debt you owe that your asset is security for, from its market value. If you got an unsecured loan specifically to buy the asset, we may also deduct this loan from the value of the asset.
When you claim a payment, we’ll ask about the assets you have and their value. We may also ask you to give updated information about your assets to ensure you’re getting the correct payment rate.
Assets include any:
- financial investments
- home contents, personal effects and vehicles
- real estate, annuities, income streams and superannuation pensions
- sole traders, partnerships, private trusts and private companies.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The government has released a new data table revealing the median cost of common home care services across Australia, which it hopes will act as a carrot to improve service offerings and a stick against unjustified charges.
Richard Colbeck
Older Australians and their families will also be able to get an idea of standard pricing to help them make decisions about whether a provider’s prices are fair, says aged care services minister Richard Colbeck.
The table shows median prices for
- nursing,
- in-home respite,
- personal care and
- cleaning,
- as well as package and management.
The changes to how we pay home care subsidies and supplements to providers will occur in 2 phases. Instead of paying the total in advance, we will pay in arrears for services delivered. We will hold unspent funds for care recipients. This is in line with other Government-funded programs.
Providers charge more for admin despite changes
by Judy Skatssoon July 1, 2020
A survey has found home care providers are charging more for administration than they were before the introduction of the new pricing transparency regime, and care management costs are going up as well.
The pricing transparency changes, introduced last April, meant administration costs could no longer be charged separately but needed to be factored into prices for care and services. Instead, providers are able to charge for package management, which can include preparing monthly statements, managing funds and meeting compliance and quality assurance standards. They can also charge for care management, which can take in plan reviews and scheduling of services.
This is somewhat surprising given that if anything, package management would be expected to decline as a result of the pricing transparency system.
The report says these figures need to be considered against the pending changes to payment arrangements for home care providers which will see the government hold the balance of unspent funds with providers reimbursed for their services after delivery, instead of in advance as is currently the case.
https://communitycarereview.com.au/2020/07/01/providers-charge-more-for-admin-despite-changes/
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Use the online calculators to help you work out fees and payments for aged care.
Schedule of Fees and Charges for Residential and Home Care: From 20 March 2022
This page provides the latest updates to aged care fees and charges.
[i] Residents in designated remote areas may be asked to pay an additional $1.06 per day.
[ii] This rate applies to residents who enter residential care within this time period but not to those who were already in care prior to this time period. The Maximum Permissible Interest Rate applicable for the calculation of a resident’s daily payments is fixed either at their date of entry to care (for a low means resident) or the date they agree to a room price (for a resident who is not eligible for government assistance with their accommodation costs).
and do remember that the daily care fee IS negiotable.
To improve transparency for senior Australians, all home care providers will need to publish their pricing information in a new standardised pricing comparability Schedule (the Schedule) on the My Aged Care Service Finder.
As everyone’s care needs are different, there are four levels of Home Care Packages with different funding amounts. These cover basic support needs through to high care needs.
How much does the government contribute?
The Australian Government pays a different subsidy amount for each level of Home Care Package. The government subsidy for each package level is as follows:
Home Care Package level Approximate yearly government contribution
Level 1 $9,000
Level 2 $15,750
Level 3 $34,500
Level 4 $52,250
* The government contribution increases each year. These figures are rounded.
The government contribution is paid directly to the home care provider you choose. You work in partnership with the provider to determine the care and services required, within the package budget. The funds won’t affect your pension because they don’t count as income.
The basic daily fee changes in March and September each year in line with the age pension.
From 20 March 2020, the basic daily fee by Home Care Package level will be:
Package level Per cent of the single person rate of basic age pension Daily fee Fortnightly fee
Level 1 15.68 $9.63 $134.82
Level 2 16.58 $10.19 $142.66
Level 3 17.05 $10.48 $146.72
Level 4 17.50 $10.75 $150.50
Providers can ask you to pay a basic daily fee. Use the Find a provider tool to see if your chosen provider will collect this fee.
- You can find out your income-tested care fee before applying for a Home Care Package. The fee advice letter you will receive is valid for 120 days, unless there is a significant change in your circumstances. If there is a change, you’ll need to notify Services Australia (or DVA if relevant) who will reissue the fee advice letter.
- Additional fees:
Any other amount you have agreed to pay for extra care and services that wouldn’t otherwise be covered by your Home Care Package. You can read more about the fees, caps, and how to use your package funds on our Home Care Package costs and fees page.
To get an estimate of the fees you may be asked to pay, use our home care fee estimator.
Use this form to give us your income details. We’ll use these details to assess how much you need to pay for a Home Care Package.
- Home Care Package Calculation of your cost of care You only need to complete this form if you don’t get a means tested income support payment from the Department of Human Services.
New Aged care means assessment forms
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has released the new Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care (SA486) digital form. Your clients can fill it in online, print and sign it and send it to DHS with their supporting documents. The digital form uses dynamic questions tailored to the customers’ individual circumstances.
Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care form (SA486)
Use this form to give us your income and assets details.
Download and complete the Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care form.
We’ll use these details to tell you how much you need to pay for aged care.
To access this form, download and open it with a PDF reader.
This form is dynamic and will present different questions based on the answers you give. It will tailor to your circumstances. Using this form is the easiest way to complete your assessment for aged care.
Because this form tailors to your circumstances, you need to complete it online. You can’t print it until you’ve answered all the questions.
Once you have answered all the questions you need to:
- print and sign the form
- send the form and your supporting documents to us.
For clients who would prefer to use our simplified paper forms, they are as follows:
- Home Care Package Calculation of your cost of care (SA456)
- Residential Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care (SA457)
- Residential Aged Care Property details for Centrelink and DVA customers (SA485)
These forms are all available on the DHS website. Tips on how to download the digital form can be found here.
Aged care means tests: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/aged-care-means-tests
We assess your financial details to work out how much you need to pay towards aged care.
Customers commencing a Home Care Package don’t need to fill in a form if they get a means tested income support payment from Centrelink or DVA.
Customers entering Residential Care don’t need to fill in a form if they:
- get a means tested income support payment, and
- don’t own their own home.
It is important to make sure their income and assets are up to date when they enter into care to ensure their assessment can be completed automatically. They can do this by accessing their Centrelink online account or by calling Centrelink on 132 300 or DVA on 1800 555 254.
Department of Health
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What is the income-tested care fee?
The income-tested care fee is an extra contribution that some people pay, as determined through an income assessment. This fee is different for everyone. It’s based on individual income including your pension. However, full pensioners do not pay an income-tested care fee.
You could pay up to $15.43 per day, if you:
- Are single earning over $27,736.80
- Are a member of a couple living together earning over $21,502.00
- Are a member of a couple living apart due to illness earning over $27,216.80
You could pay between $15.43 - $30.86 if you:
- Are single earning over $53,627.60
- Are a member of a couple living together earning over $41,017.60
- Are a member of a couple living apart due to illness earning over $53,107.60
Annual and lifetime caps
There are annual and lifetime caps for the income-tested care fee.
The annual cap is different depending on what you earn in a year. For example, for a single person as at 20 March 2020:
- If you are a full pensioner or have an income up to $28,087.41, you won’t have to pay an income-tested care fee.
- If you are a part-time pensioner or if you earn between $27,736.80 and $53,627.60 a year, your income-tested care fee is capped at $5,617.47 a year.
- If you earn more than $53,627.60 a year, your income-tested care fee is capped at $11,234.96 a year.
There is a lifetime cap of $67,409.85 as at 1 July 2020. After you reach this figure you will no longer have to pay income-tested care fees.
Read more on annual and lifetime caps.
Schedule of Fees and Charges for Residential and Home Care: From 20 March 2022
This page provides the latest updates to aged care fees and charges.
[i] Residents in designated remote areas may be asked to pay an additional $1.06 per day.
[ii] This rate applies to residents who enter residential care within this time period but not to those who were already in care prior to this time period. The Maximum Permissible Interest Rate applicable for the calculation of a resident’s daily payments is fixed either at their date of entry to care (for a low means resident) or the date they agree to a room price (for a resident who is not eligible for government assistance with their accommodation costs).
and do remember that the daily care fee IS negiotable.
The Australian Government pays for the bulk of aged care in Australia. But as with all aged care services, it's expected you'll contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford to do so. You will never be denied the care you need because you can't afford it.
Home care providers may be able to access further funding supplements – to ensure you receive the care you need.
These include:
- Dementia and cognition supplement
- Oxygen supplement for people with an ongoing medical need for oxygen
- Enteral feeding supplement for people who need enteral feeding on an ongoing basis
- Veterans’ supplement
- Viability supplement for those in rural and remote areas.
Home Care – Fee Estimator
The Home Care fee estimator provides an indication of the fees and charges you may be asked to pay if you receive a Home Care Package after 1 July 2014. Based on the information you provide, it estimates your;
- basic fee
- income-tested care fee.
The actual fees you may be asked to pay will depend on your income as assessed by the Department of Human Services or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Know too, that the basic daily care fee IS negotiable! Have a chat with your Provider Before you sign the Home Care Agreement.
Applying for an income assessment: You only need to apply for an income assessment for Home Care if you are:
- a self-funded retiree
- receiving a non-income tested government payment, such as Age Pension (Blind), Disability Support Pension (Blind), Carer Allowance or Mobility Allowance, or
- receiving a DVA Disability Pension or War Widow’s Pension and do not receive the Income Support Supplement
10 February 2020
My Aged Care can assist you with using these fee estimators or can provide you with an estimate over the phone. Before you call you should have your financial information ready, especially details of your various forms of income and assets.
“$50,000 Should Not Translate To Just Nine Hours Of Care,” Royal Commission Hears
by Caroline Egan. https://hellocaremail.com.au/home-care-delivered-hours-care-royal-commission/
Home care was under the Royal Commission’s spotlight on Monday, as the second set of hearings began.
19 March 2019
TO COMPARE $ PRICES in Home Care
Since 1 July 2019 home care providers needed to publish their prices in a new standardised home care pricing Schedule on the My Aged Care website. This transition to the new pricing structure may be an opportune time to analyse their current pricing policies and determine if they (the Provider) need to change their prices.
The Schedule will provide information on the common services and costs under a home care package.
This will better support senior Australians to understand and compare home care pricing information, and make a more informed decision about which provider is best placed to deliver your care.
01 July 2019
WHAT TO DO...
STEP 1: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider
STEP 2: Click on "Help at Home"
STEP 3: Select your Suburb
STEP 4: Click on "Home Support Services" to get a list of Providers
OR “Home Care Package” Level 1, 2, 3 or 4
You can then click on the Providers name for their details
OR Just click on COMPARE – up to 3 at a time
and COMPARE ONE PROVIDER $ AGAINST ANOTHER... Just scroll down.
You are looking at:-
Case Management - approximate number of hours per fortnight
- Fully funded by Provider
- Self-managed by YOU
Price for Common Services - shown as $ per hour
- Personal Care
- Nursing
- Cleaning and Household tasks
- Light gardening
- In-home Respite
Other costs:
- Package management
- Staff travel costs to visit you
- Separate cost when you want to receive services from a different Provider
- Maximum Exit $ amount
It's quite an Eye-opener!!!
Since 1 July 2019 home care providers need to publish their prices in a new standardised home care pricing Schedule on the My Aged Care website. This transition to the new pricing structure may be an opportune time to analyse their current pricing policies and determine if they (the Provider) need to change their prices. The Schedule will provide information on the common services and costs under a home care package. This will better support senior Australians to understand and compare home care pricing information, and make a more informed decision about which provider is best placed to deliver your care.
June 2019
For more information on aged care costs call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
ADA Australia has launched an innovative new information guide to support services for seniors. The app, Seniors Guide to Qld Help, is designed specifically for older Queenslanders and those who support them.
The free resource provides information about a broad range of topics, including:
- aged care,
- transport,
- housing and
- neighbour disputes,
- family and
- finances,
- elder abuse,
- consumer issues,
- community access,
- future planning and
- decision-making.
Financial advice
You may want to consult with a financial adviser about your finances. There are various Click here for Government services and resources that can help you obtain appropriate financial advice. It’s a good idea to do some research to see what options work best for you. You can also use Centrelink's free Financial Information Service on 132 300.
1 July 2019
Booking a FIS seminar
Free seminars in Queensland:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/financial-information-service/where-we-have-free-seminars/queensland
PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE PRESENT HEALTH SITUATION, THESE SEMINAR'S HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
There are 2 ways to book a seminar.
You can email the FIS seminars booking team at least 3 days before the seminar. Don't forget to include:
- the title, date and location of the seminar you want to go to
- your phone number, or contact details, in case the seminar is cancelled
- how you found out about the seminar, such as a newspaper, flyer or Facebook
You can also call our FIS seminar booking phone line and book over the phone.
Mon – Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Phone: 136 357
12 June 2020
My finances
Powers of attorney, enduring powers of attorney and enduring guardians
If you need help managing your affairs, you can choose to give someone you know and trust, or a specialist organisation (such as the Public Trustee and Guardian in NSW) the power to make decisions for you. This will allow the person to manage your affairs when you do not want to, or are no longer able to. For example, a person may find it hard to sign documents because they have poor eyesight or unsteady hands.
Depending on your situation, this may include:
- the power to make decisions about your financial and legal affairs
- decisions about your lifestyle (including where you live) and what medical or health treatment you should receive.
It's important to plan ahead for your finances. There are various government services and resources that can help you find the right financial advice. It's a good idea to do some research to see what options work best for you. You can also ask a family member or friend to help you plan your finances, or you can consult a financial planner.
Financial information and education
If you want to find basic information about managing your finances, you can go to the Department of Human Services' free Financial Information Service. This confidential service can help you make informed decisions about investment and financial issues for your current and future needs. It also provides education and information on lifestyle issues.
The people who provide advice within the Financial Information Service are not financial planners and do not give or sell advice or purchase investment products.
13 May 2020
Financial counselling
If you're experiencing financial difficulties and have little income, you may be able to get free financial counselling services.
A financial counselor can help you in your negotiations with financial institutions and creditors. They might also be able to help with your budgeting and referral needs.
Community organisations are funded to provide these services across Australia. You can contact the Department of Social Services (the Department) if you would like details of a financial counselling service near you.
Finding a financial planner
Financial planners may be able to help with retirement planning, wealth management, savings planning, superannuation, banking and portfolio administration. They may also give advice on managed funds, and other financial products available in the marketplace.
Selecting the right financial planner for your situation is essential. You should choose a licensed financial planner who can provide the services you need. Your financial planner should also be able to provide you with a Financial Services Guide.
You can check out a company or a financial planner by searching on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission website.
You can also search for financial planners in your area on the Financial Planning Association of Australia website. This website provides the contact details for all licensed financial planners in the country.
MoneySmart
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission also runs the MoneySmart website which helps people make smart choices about their personal finances.
MoneySmart has lots of tools and information to help people with decisions about issues such as retirement planning, aged care accommodation and financial products such as reverse mortgages, see:
- retirement income planning (information and calculator)
- reverse mortgages (information and calculator)
- over 55s and your home
- over 55s and your health
- how to complain.
Other useful resources:
The Department of Social Services has a number of practical, easy-to-read publications and articles you may like to read. These publications and articles are designed to help you improve your lifestyle in retirement. They have been produced with industry bodies, other agencies and community groups.
19 December 2019
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The National Seniors Australia has an independent financial information service for its members. The line is manned by former staff of the National Information Centre on Retirement Incomes, which closed last year after losing federal government funding.
The financial information desk will provide information on superannuation, pensions, tax and other financial matters.
1300 76 50 50
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Do be aware though that some Providers could charge high exit fees that might discourage you from transferring your Package to another Provider. The amount should appear in your Home Care Agreement with your Provider, so that you are not caught unawares.
Proper management of unspent funds needed for compliance and profit
14 February 2019
https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/sponsoredcontent/proper-management-of-unspent-funds-needed-for-compliance-and-profit/
Note: Often you don’t know what you don’t know. What help can you ask for? You can decided that you would rather pay a private cleaner and get exactly what you want for how long you want. Many have rejected the packages because of the admin fees, the daily fee and so on.
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/manage-your-home-care-package-services
Some consumers are choosing to spend their built-up funds on one-off capital items or services that offer little or in some cases no margin to providers.
Remember, it is Your Choice...
An exit amount is an amount that can be deducted by your Provider in working out a care recipient’s unspent home care amount, when your Provider ceases to provide home care to you. The maximum exit amount is submitted at the ‘approved provider’ level and is being made publicly available on the My Aged Care service finder for all of your home care services. The maximum exit amount should be updated by your Provider through the My Aged Care Provider Portal.
Since 27 February 2017, the package (Level 1, 2, 3 or 4) goes to YOU. You choose your own Provider and the Government then gives them the $ to spend on what YOU Want. Do be aware that some Providers are charging joining, upgrade or exit fees for their in home health and wellbeing services.
This is Not Mandatory, and should any Provider place these restrictions in your New Home Care Agreement, you DO NOT have to sign it. You do NOT have to pay for these. Only those things which YOU have agreed to can be placed in your new Home Care Agreement. If this is happening to You, do not sign and immediately look around and choose another Provider.
As a potential Customer, do be aware of what your Home Care Agreement ACTUALLY says: Do Not Sign it until you have had it all explained to you AND YOU UNDERSTAND IT.
A potential Home Care Provider needs to bear in mind when offering your Home Care Agreement:
As a provider of home care you will want to promote your business so that you can compete for customers. But you also have to make sure that you don’t break the law by saying things to consumers that might mislead or confuse them. When you offer home care services to consumers it is important that you present information (whether it be written or verbal) to a consumer accurately, clearly and honestly. This allows consumers the opportunity to make decisions with all the facts. Under the ACL, businesses that do not do this are likely to be engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct.
Misleading and deceptive conduct can include practices such as:
- false claims or statements about your home care services or the price
- false claims about a consumer’s legal rights
- not telling a consumer important information
- hiding important information in small print or disclaimers
- using overly complex language that means important information is not clear. Make sure that what you say or give to consumers is easy to understand, honest, and contains all the relevant information. Being honest and clear with your customers is the best way to promote longer relationships and grow your business.
Home Care Agreements need to be clear and easy to understand so that consumers are able to make informed decisions. Make sure that your Home Care Agreements are transparent, in plain language and highlight important terms, especially key information such as:
- what services are to be provided, by who, when and how
- costs and fees
- any conditions that may apply to the Home Care Agreement (for example termination conditions).
- Allow consumers enough time to read the Home Care Agreement, ask questions and seek assistance or advice if they need to.
- Never rush or pressure a consumer, as consumers have the right to take their time and seek financial or legal advice before signing.
Example:
A term in a Home Care Agreement says “you agree to allow the provider to place a caveat over your home to enable the collection of any unpaid fees”.
This would likely be an unfair term as it is not reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the business in relation to government funded home care services and would cause significant detriment to the consumer if it were relied upon.
Download your own copy from the ACCC website:
https://www.accc.gov.au/publications/home-care-services-your-business-rights-obligations
Home care services - your business rights & obligations.
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Since 1 July 2019 home care providers needed to publish their prices in a new standardised home care pricing Schedule on the My Aged Care website. This transition to the new pricing structure may be an opportune time to analyse their current pricing policies and determine if they (the Provider) need to change their prices.
The Schedule will provide information on the common services and costs under a home care package.
This will better support senior Australians to understand and compare home care pricing information, and make a more informed decision about which provider is best placed to deliver your care.
01 July 2019
WHAT TO DO...
STEP 1: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider
STEP 2: Click on "Help at Home"
STEP 3: Select your Suburb
STEP 4: Click on "Home Support Services" to get a list of Providers
OR “Home Care Package” Level 1, 2, 3 or 4
You can then click on the Providers name for their details
OR Just click on COMPARE – up to 3 at a time
and COMPARE ONE PROVIDER $ AGAINST ANOTHER... Just scroll down.
You are looking at:-
Case Management - approximate number of hours per fortnight
- Fully funded by Provider
- Self-managed by YOU
Price for Common Services - shown as $ per hour
- Personal Care
- Nursing
- Cleaning and Household tasks
- Light gardening
- In-home Respite
Other costs:
- Package management
- Staff travel costs to visit you
- Separate cost when you want to receive services from a different Provider
- Maximum Exit $ amount
It's quite an Eye-opener!!!
Even the bare bones home care management services still have management fees. These include administration and case management amounts that in some cases exceed 20 per cent of the funding. However, this is still significantly below an approximate industry average of 30 per cent with some operators charging above the 50 per cent mark.
Change to pure self-management in the industry is no longer an if, rather a when. Developments in the industry are already visible with:
- New entrants. These new home care providers aren’t necessarily following the industry script around administration and case management charges. Many are simply costing in one management fee and others are charging only for administration. If case management is requested, this will be added as a cost or an independent case manager will be sought.
- Organisational cultures are changing. Many service providers are making their case managers more independent to that of their direct care staff, to the benefit of the care recipient. Providers are becoming more flexible with the ability to use other organisations where there are service and price benefits compared to in-house options.
- Home care provider duty of care is increasingly being supported by advances in technology. Some examples include online care worker verification services that provide reference, qualification and police checks, client wellness monitors via clockout processes, telehealth, personal alarm/trackers, home sensors, and carebots (friendly interactive robots).
- Software is appearing that claims full integration of home care provider administration requirements.
24 May 2018
If you need help, an advocate can be made available through the National Aged Care Advocacy Programme (NACAP) by calling 1800 700 600 or visit the Older Persons Advocacy Network website to find out more about advocacy services.
Update on quality standards
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission 1800 550 552 regarding a Commonwealth-subsidised residential or home-based aged care service
03 January 2020 https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/about-us
Minister Wyatt announced that the Complaints Commissioner and the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency will form part of the New Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission in January 2019. "I am confident the new Commission will better target sub-standard care. It will be a central point to identify failures, highlights quality concerns and have them rectified,” he says.
The Commission replaces the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency and the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner. Combining these functions into one independent agency strengthens the focus on consumers, streamlines regulation, supports better engagement with consumers and providers, and promotes transparency.
The new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission began on January 1st, 2019.
Who do the Act and Rules apply to?
- Approved providers of residential aged care services, home care services and short-term restorative care services.
- Service providers of Commonwealth-funded aged care services (this includes Commonwealth Home Support Programme and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Care Program (NATSIFACP) services).
It will have a budget of almost $300 million over four years, employing dozens of additional senior compliance officers. The new Commission will immediately absorb the roles of the current Aged Care Complaints Commissioner and the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency and, from January 2020, also take over the Department of Health's aged-care compliance responsibilities.
Commission Act and Rules
On 1 January 2020, the aged care regulatory functions of the Secretary of the Department of Health were transferred to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner (the Commissioner). This ensures that the Commissioner has the full suite of regulatory functions from entry, quality monitoring and compliance to exit (if required) for providers of aged care services.
Amendments to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Rules 2018 (Commission Rules) have been implemented to support the transition of regulatory functions. The amendments focus on the following key outcomes:
- integrate and remove duplication in the management of non-compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards
- establish a regulatory framework with graduated and escalating responses to non-compliance
- streamline existing performance assessment processes, providing greater clarity to consumers and transparency of decision making for providers.
This page contains information for aged care providers resulting from the introduction of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018 and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Rules 2018.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018 (Act) establishes the Commission and enables the Minister to make Rules prescribing matters for carrying out or giving effect to the Act.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Rules 2018 (Rules) give operational effect to the processes of the Commission. The Rules replace a number of Principles including the Quality Agency Principles 2013.
Relevant links and fact sheets:
- Key changes for providers from 1 January 2020 - Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Rules
- Key changes for providers from 1 January 2020 - Accreditation and re-accreditation
- Key changes for providers from 1 January 2020 - Timetable for improvement
- Key changes for providers from 1 January 2020 - Assessment contacts
- Key changes for providers from 1 January 2020 - Quality reviews
- Key changes for providers from 1 January 2020 - Review audits
- Key changes for providers from 1 January 2020 - Serious risk
Monday, 3 February 2020 - 3:58pm
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Are there any provisions for financial hardship?
Use this form and guide to test your eligibility to receive financial hardship assistance with your fees and charges in Home Care or Residential Respite Care
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/forms/sa462
If you have a disability or impairment and use assistive technology, there are other ways you can do your business with us. You can use self service or request someone to deal with us on your behalf. If you can’t access our forms, please contact us. We can help you access, complete and submit them.
10 February 2020
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Assessment Decision : Residential Respite Care
The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) that conducted your face-to-face assessment will send you a letter.
The letter will contain:
- the assessment approval decision
- whether you are eligible for low or high level residential respite care
- the reasons and evidence supporting the decision
- your support plan and referral for services.
I’m eligible - what’s next?
Once you receive your approval letter, you should:
- Find a residential respite care provider
Every home is different. It’s important to find the right place for you, working within your time frame and provider availability. You can find residential respite care providers by using the Find a provider tool or calling My Aged Care.
- Apply for a place
Once you’ve found one you’re happy with, you can apply for a place for the length of your stay.
Read more on our Connecting with residential respite care providers page.
17 December 2021